Google’s new Nexus phones might launch much later than we thought

Google is doing things a little differently this year when it comes to its newest Android release. Rather than waiting until fall, Google will update compatible Nexus devices to the final Android 7.0 Nougat version at some point in the coming weeks. And Google usually releases new hardware that’s able to best showcase some of the best features of a new Android version right after it’s released. As a result, most people assumed that Google’s exciting 2016 Nexus handsets would be released pretty soon after Nougat is let loose. But now a new report says that might not be the case.

Looking at the recent Nougat and new Nexus rumors, but also at LG’s claim that the LG V20 will be the first device to launch with Android 7.0 Nougat on board, Droid-Life let it slip that the HTC Sailfish and Marlin will be released on October 4th at the earliest.

The news reportedly comes from a source who has been accurate “time and again” when it comes to Nexus devices. Assuming the source is correct, it means you won’t be able to buy new Nexus handsets when Android 7.0 is released at some point in the coming weeks.

That also means that V20 will indeed likely be the first new smartphone to ship with Nougat preloaded, beating the new Nexus devices to market. Obviously, by the time the V20 launches, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P will already run Android 7.0. But strictly speaking about brand new devices, the LG V20 will come out as the winner.

On a related note, Android Police has learned that Google is about to make some significant changes to key software features of the new Nexus handsets – read more about them here.